Family dynamics come in all shapes and sizes. Each family member plays and fulfills a specific role, one of which is “the Black Sheep”. If you believe you or someone in your family is struggling with the psychological and emotional trauma of being the black sheep, look for these signs and symptoms.
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- There is someone in your family who constantly seems to have a chip on their shoulder. They are angry, hurt, and resentful, for no reason obvious to you. Unless you have been intimately involved in every area of the family’s dynamics, you might not be aware of the deep and complex history which has lead to these behaviors. You may not know what is taking place behind closed doors or if the brooding behaviors you witness are a response to the family’s otherwise pleasantness- because outside of the view of others, the family is quite unpleasant to that individual.
- Not all of the family’s behaviors may be behind closed doors. In fact, some of them may require little more than the turned back of who the “black sheep” may be. Pay attention to the verbal cues family members give when a loved one walks away. If one member of the family is most often talked about over others, they might be the black sheep, especially if they way they are talked about is negative.
- Subtle or passive behaviors might fall to the way of more aggressive ones. Family members might ostracize their black sheep outright by starting drama in front of others, saying to their face that they are on the outside, and discontinuing to invite them to events or keep them informed about family matters.
- Parents may mention that they feel disconnected from this family member, as though they have nothing in common. Their interests, personality, hobbies, and everything about them is “bizarre” to the parents. As a result, though completely unhealthy, parents treat this child differently. Learning by example, siblings and other family members follow suit. What may start as subtle comedy leads to bullying and humiliation on a regular basis.
- Mental illness in a family can skip generations or even be non-apparent throughout a family, though oftentimes it is kept a secret. When there is a family member who struggles with their mental health in a family who is not compassionate or empathetic toward those struggles, that family member becomes the black sheep.
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Being the outsider in a family dynamic is deeply damaging and traumatizing, imprinting harmful messages about self-worth. Your trauma ends where your recovery begins. Start your recovery today by calling The Guest House Ocala.
At The Guest House Ocala, we welcome everyone who has experienced trauma and, as a result, is suffering from addictions, mental health disorders, or other manifestations. Our programs are custom tailored to the specific experiences and needs of each client. Everyone has a story. Change yours today. Call us at Call 1-855-483-7800.